Temporary flexibilities in place for Medicaid beneficiaries due to Hurricane Helene devastation

HEALTH

RALEIGH — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is working with state, federal and local partners to help North Carolinians impacted by Hurricane Helene access needed health care. Temporary changes to NC Medicaid will allow people to more easily refill prescriptions early, get medically necessary services, be admitted to a nursing home and more.

“This storm has been catastrophic for so many people in our state. We are committed to using every tool we have to help people and communities survive and recover,” said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley.

Flexibilities are active from Sept. 26, 2024, through Oct. 15, 2024, and are intended to:

Ensure people can get their medicine. People covered by NC Medicaid, including people who have temporarily relocated out of state due to the emergency, will be able to fill their prescriptions early.

Ensure the safety of children with complex medical needs and adults with disabilities or serious health conditions. Case managers are implementing the required disaster plans for the Community Alternatives Program for Children and the Community Alternatives Program for Disabled Adults.

Make it easier for healthcare providers to participate in Medicaid as part of disaster relief. To ensure medical professionals are on the ground, healthcare providers can apply to be an NC Medicaid provider through a temporary, expedited process.

Ensure people get medically necessary services. NC Medicaid providers will not need prior authorization for medically necessary drugs, equipment and supplies provided during the Hurricane Helene emergency. People covered by NC Medicaid who have temporarily relocated out of state due to the emergency will be reimbursed for medically necessary services.

Maintain support for people with traumatic brain injury or intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. When direct support is not available due to the emergency, relatives may provide Community Living and Supports, Supported Employment and Supported Living. People who have temporarily relocated out of state due to the emergency may receive Innovations Waiver services without prior authorization, including respite. And NC Medicaid will cover the replacement or repair of homes or vehicle modifications damaged by Hurricane Helene.

Help hospitalized patients have continuity of care. Hospitals in affected counties participating in Medicare and are approved to provide post-hospital skilled nursing facility care can do so for patients without acute care. They can provide this care for patients that are unable to find placement in skilled nursing facility.

Expedite the process for someone to be admitted to a nursing home. People covered by NC Medicaid who have been displaced due to the emergency will not need to have a Preadmission Screening and Resident Review.

Access private duty nursing. People covered by NC Medicaid will not need prior authorization for private duty nursing that is medically necessary.

Additional detail, including documentation requirements, is available in the NC Medicaid Bulletin issued on Oct. 1, 2024.

There is no right or wrong way to feel in response to the trauma of a hurricane. If you have been impacted by the storm and need someone to talk to, call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990. Help is also available to anyone, anytime in English or Spanish through a call, text or chat to 988. Learn more at 988Lifeline.org.

If you would like general information, access to resources, or answers to frequently asked questions, please visit ncdps.gov/helene and ncdhhs.gov/helene.

Michelle Cassell is a seasoned reporter who has covered everything from crime to hurricanes and local politics to human interest over the course of 35 years. As managing editor, she hopes to encourage writers of a wide range of backgrounds and interests in TLR’s coverage of Southern Orange County news.
This reporter can be reached at Info@TheLocalReporter.press